The London Area Guide: 17 London Neighbourhoods You Have to Explore

London is a vibrant and ever-changing city – made up of a series of interconnected, but independent neighbourhoods. Don’t miss this London area guide – 17 London neighbourhoods you shouldn’t miss during your visit.

London is large, sprawling and can be hard to get your head around.

Don’t get me wrong – I love my hometown (hence me spending so much time on the site writing about it), but I get that it can be difficult to make sense of.

From the old City of London to newer neighbourhoods, London is basically a collection of interrelated areas, each with their own independent identities, subcultures and (dare I mention it), football teams.

I have a hard time making sense of it all and I’ve lived here for *cough cough* more years than I’m willing to share as it makes me sound supes old.

Where do you start? Where should you skip? Which are London’s poshest areas? The coolest?

No fear guys, I’ve created this in-depth London area guide to help you navigate your way around the city like a pro.

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A Guide to the Best London’s Neighbourhoods

Views of Tower Bridge

Choosing the best neighbourhood to stay in London or to visit during your trip can be overwhelming, with so many great options to pick from.

Do you go for the South Bank? Or perhaps trendy Shoreditch?

The answer really depends on what you’re looking for during your trip.

If it’s your first time exploring the city, then convenience will probably rule – whereas returning visitors may prefer to head further out and discover some of thequirkier spots in London.

Overall, I recommend basing yourself in the London neighbourhoods that sit in the shadow of thecity’s most iconic attractions, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.

This way, you can wake up with pinch-yourself views of the city, and be just a short hop, skip and jump to their front door. Plus, there are great transport links to other parts of the city.

One thing to note is that London’s famous underground system – the Tube – connects the whole city easily. Just because you are staying in one location doesn’t mean you can’t easily access somewhere totally different. The centre is also surprisingly walkable – so put on a pair of comfortable walking shoes and explore at your leisure.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden

It’s pretty common for fabulous neighbourhoods to be centred around a city’s theatre, and Covent Garden fits the bill.

Right on the doorstep of London’s amazing theatre scene, it’s also one of the popular areas to stay in London for foodies, with many of the city’s best restaurants located here.

Another reason that it’s one of the best places to stay in London is how convenient it is for the city’s main attractions.

At the heart of Covent Garden you’ll find a famous (and awesome) market, as well as a bunch of cool theatres. It’s also close to other attractions like the National Gallery and Trafalgar Square.

Westminster

If you’re on a short timeframe and want to make sure you tick off all the big-ticket items on your “must see list”, then staying in Westminster is a good shout.

You’ll almost certainly swing through Westminster during your time in London, as it is home to an abundance of historical and cultural attractions.

Even in a city where history is king, Westminster is one of the parts of London of huge historical significance (not to mention the fact it’s still the seat of British Parliament).

Start with a peek at The Houses of Parliament (and Big Ben) before swinging by Westminster Abbey and down Whitehall.

The only downside of Westminster is it has fewer restaurants and cafes (except for a few chains) than other central London areas (though I do adore The Cinnamon Club) – aside from this I recommend heading out a neighbouring borough to eat.

Suggested Hotels in Westminster, London

Soho

Ah, brilliant Soho. Who doesn’t love a glamorous central London neighbourhood that wears its slightly salacious past on its sleeve?

Soho was once known as London’s premier red light district, and the central London area has never quite shaken off its cheeky approach to life. Nor would I want it to.

Today, Soho is best known for its vibrant nightlife – think uber chic cocktail bars as well as fabulous pubs, where drinkers often spill out onto the street. The nightclubs are largely gone, but there’s still plenty to keep this area quirky and lovable.

Food-wise, you’re spoilt for choice, with many of the city’s best restaurants dotted around the area.

Victoria, St James & Belgravia

Charming Belgravia is one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in London. In parts, it looks a little like a flower shop exploded – in the best possible way.

Victoria borders up to it, and is a great place to stay in its own right. What it lacks in sugary sweet charm, it makes up for in great transport links and yet more excellent theatres.

Of course, there’s no need to hop on a train when you’re so close to London’s best attractions. Just a short walk from Victoria, St James and Belgravia you’ll find highlights such as Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park and Horse Guards Parade.

Neighbourhood Highlights in Victoria, St James & Belgravia

Buckingham Palace – let’s face it, if it is good enough for The Queen we should probably at least give it a look.

St James’s Park – The prettiest park in London, end of. Bring a picnic and chill by the lake.

Suggested Mayfair and Piccadilly Hotels in London

The Ritz – it might be the tiniest bit too swanky for its own good but you should at least swing by for afternoon tea.

Dukes – get the best of both worlds with Dukes, which boasts exceptional convenience yet in a quiet residential enclave

Claridge’s – because it’s exceptional reputation amongst royals and commoners is very well deserved

The City

Taking in the views at Sky Garden

While much of the sprawling metropolis is often colloquially referred to as the city, in fact The City of London technically refers to just one square mile.

This is considered the absolute heart of London – the spot where the Romans first set up a small settlement known as Londinium.

Within this area you’ll find many of the city’s most famous attractions. This includes the stunning St Paul’s Cathedral, as well as the more recent addition, the Gherkin.

St Paul’s Cathedral

The City is quite a business hub, being home to the London Stock Exchange. However, it’s also very convenient for exploring East London spots like Shoreditch and Hoxton.

Highlights to Explore in The City of London

Sky Garden– Head to the top of the walkie talkie building for stunning views of the Thames. All for free.

Visit the London Mithraeum – One of my favourite finds of the year, the London Mithraeum is a Roman Temple in a cool complex underneath Bloomberg’s UK headquarters.

Pop into The Museum of London – and chart the history of what I’m sure is, by now, your favourite city.

Explore The Barbican – Brutalist and beautiful, The Barbican might split opinion with its appearance but its position as one of London’s leading cultural venues is undisputed. Don’t forget to pop up to The Barbican Conservatory, which is open on selected Sundays.

Suggested City Hotels in London

The Ned – a new, slightly quirky hotel that proves that staying in London’s financial district doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun

Threadneedles – a chic and elegant luxury hotel that’s right in the centre of the City of London.

Notting Hill & Kensington

Notting Hill and Kensington are two more of London’s most beautiful, popular (and poshest) neighbourhoods.

If you are looking to enjoy the London that has been popularised in films like, umm, Notting Hill, then there’s plenty to keep you on your toes.

You see, there’s good reason that these two neighbourhoods have been popular with film makers for awhile – the pastel buildings and abundance of pretty cafes are super photogenic. Kensington also holds the questionably desirable title of the most expensive area in London.

Notting Hill and Kensington aren’t just pretty faces, however. There’s a lot to do here, from indulging in a fabulous cream tea to checking out sites like the Museum of Brands.

Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss in Notting Hill and Kensington

Kensington Gardens – Hyde Park might steal all the attention but adjacent Kensington Gardens with Kensington Palace is the real star of the show.

Royal Albert Hall – See a performance or snag a ticket for the much-hyped Last Night of the Proms.

The Churchill Arms – London has no shortage of pubs but this flower-bedecked spectacular really stands out.

Museum Mile – Three of London’s most famous museums, The Science Museum, Natural History Museum and The Victoria & Albert Museum all sit in a stone’s throw of each other.

Suggested Notting Hill and Kensington Hotels

The Ampersand – a family-friendly luxury hotel that’s within a stone’s throw of many of London’s best attractions

Blakes Hotel – a pioneering boutique hotel, Blakes is a classic favourite for good reason

Greenwich

Queen’s House, Greenwich

While it is a little bit further out for general sightseeing, Greenwich is one of the quaintest areas of London.

It has a lot going for it – most famously, Greenwich is the namesake for Greenwich Mean Time – i.e. “latitude 0” and the spot where time is measured from. You can check it out at the Royal Observatory.

It’s also had a long affiliation with the British navy. The Old Naval College is located here, as is the historic ship The Cutty Sark, not to mention the National Maritime Museum.

Greenwich Neighbourhood Highlights

Queen’s House – A gorgeous collection of art in a former royal palace and still one of the quieter places in London.

Greenwich Park – Watch out for the deer and the great views at the top of the (steepish) hill.

The National Maritime Museum – Learn about the UK’s naval history at this surprisingly interesting gem.

Suggested Greenwich Hotels in London

DoubleTree by Hilton – As you’d expect from the well-known chain, this hotel is modern, stylish and an excellent base in Greenwich

Shoreditch

Once upon a time, Shoreditch would have been the kind of London neighborhood visitors were told to avoid. Those days are long gone, ushering in an age of endless flat whites, hipster culture and some very, very cool bars and restaurants.

The neighbourhood’s industrial past is still on show with lots of old warehouses. Many are adorned with the street art the area is famous for.

It’s not just murals that make Shoreditch a great place to stay in London. There are also plenty of vintage shops, foodie faves and great nightlife to boot.

Overall, Shoreditch is one of my picks for the best neighbourhoods in London – especially if you’re looking for somewhere with that effortless cool factor.

Holborn & Bloomsbury

Holborn

The boundary between Holborn and Bloomsbury is fairly blurred, no matter though – both are worth exploring.

Home to one of London’s biggest and best museums (The British Museum in case you were wondering) as well as many a literary haunt hailing from the days when Bloomsbury was home to leading writers such as Virginia Woolf and E.M Forster.

All of this combines to create an area with a more high-brow, academic feel.

Both neighbourhoods are safe and clean, with Bloomsbury being a little more residential than Holborn. So if you’d like to base yourself in central location without the frenetic pace – these could be perfect.

Holborn and Bloomsbury Highlights

The British Museum – Delve into the world of history, ancient and modern in the museum’s extensive collections.

Sir John Soane’s Museum – One of London’s quirkiest collections lies on a square behind Holborn station. You can even visit the museum when it’s lit up by candlelight once a month.

The Brunswick Centre – Forget the better-known Barbican, The Brunswick is an ode to Brutalist design.

Clerkenwell, Farringdon & St Paul’s

Cool without being pretentious, Clerkenwell, Farringdon and St Paul’s are hidden gems that are home to some of my favourite restaurants and cocktail bars. They rarely make it onto lists of the best neighborhoods of London, which is a shame as they have a lot to offer, even to visitors.

Maybe it’s because I used to work in the area, maybe it’s because you can walk around without being overrun by tourists (well, unless you’re sitting on the steps of St Paul’s), but they’re some of my favourite areas in London.

Much like Soho, they haven’t always had a stellar reputation – in Victorian times, Farringdon was known as a meeting spot for pickpockets.

Don’t worry, today you – and your belongings – will be totally safe enjoying the hip cafes, bars, boutiques and restaurants of these neighbourhoods.

One of the highlights of these neighbourhoods are the many great markets to visit, including street food hotspots Exmouth Market and Leather Lane.

Clerkenwell & Farringdon Highlights

Oriole – Ditch Nightjar, the bar’s famous older sister in Shoreditch, Oriole is the place to go for cocktails with a fin-de-siecle vibe.

Exmouth Market – Lined with some of London’s best restaurants, Exmouth Market is always a good choice for a tasty dinner.

St Paul’s Cathedral – Hard to believe that when it was built, St Paul’s Cathedral was the tallest building in London. Not hard to believe that it was its most impressive – it’s still a strong contender for the title today.

Suggested Hotels Clerkenwell and Farringdon

Fox and Anchor – Get the real London experience by staying inside this authentic pub, which offers rooms with plenty of charm and a touch of luxury

Paddington

Most famously associated with the beloved bear, Paddington might not be as popular a place to stay in London but it’s a good base, thanks to great transport connections and lots of cool spots within striking distance.

It’s no surprise – this borough borders onto hotspots Mayfair and Marylebone, making it super convenient for attractions including Kensington Palace.

Another plus for Paddington is that while it’s super convenient for these swish places, it doesn’t carry the same price tag.

If you’d prefer to stay within Paddington, there’s a good selection of shops, markets and cafes to enjoy here.

Neighbourhood Highlights in Paddington

The Rolling Bridge – You won’t believe me, but this bridge really does roll out over the water.

Paddington Basin – Less hyped than nearby Little Venice, Paddington Basis is nonetheless a nice place to spend time by the water.

Suggested Hotels in Paddington

The PILGRM – perfect if you’re on a budget, this hotel offers luxury for less – just with a couple of quirks (like a lack of reception).

The Chilworth – an elegant hotel that offers a convenient location near to many transport links.

Camden

Camden Market / Shutterstock

Like King’s Cross, Camden is popular with visitors looking to do a little less damage to their wallet while staying in London town.

It’s long been proudly alternative, in a similar way to Shoreditch. You’ll find some cool street artand lots of quirky vintage shops here.

If it’s fashion you’re after, then you can’t miss the famous Camden Market. This canalside market is popular with both locals and visitors, and is the perfect place to pick up some new, cool threads.

At night, I recommend hitting up some of the live music venues – it’s one of my favourite things about this part of town.

West London

West London is famous for its many cultural institutions, from galleries to arthouse theatres. It’s also a popular residential hotspot, thanks to its beauty and ease of getting around.

Prices here tend to be a little bit steeper than over on the east, but in return you’ll be in the heart of some of London’s best shopping, dining and sightseeing.

Areas including Chiswick, Chelsea, Hammersmith, Richmond (with its famous Richmond Park) and Putney are all gorgeous areas in West London.

Chelsea is great if you hope to spend plenty of time sipping coffee in a picturesque cafe or shopping along the famous King’s Road – while Hammersmith (and nearby Shepherd’s Bush) are legendary players in the live music scene.

Don’t forget to swing by the iconic Kew Gardens either.

North London

Can see where it gets its name / Shutterstock

Heading further north, London becomes quite eclectic – with everything from village-y feeling neighbourhoods to popular nightlife hotspots.

Areas likeLittle Venice, Hampstead Heath and Highgate (home to the famous cemetery) are far more laidback than their inner city counterparts, and perfect if you like things a little more peaceful.

On the other hand, Islington and nearby Angel are far more bustling. Here, you can expect to be amongst a great selection of boutiques, restaurants and artsy theatres – check out what’s on at The Almeida for starters.

South London

Street Art in Brixton by Mr Cenz

Many city dwellers call the areas in South London home, as many neighbourhoods boast ample green space and that sought after village-y, community feel.

That’s not to say that South London is sleepy – far from it. You’ll still find plenty of great shops, bars and pubs (of course) in these areas.

Some hotspots in South London include, Peckham, Clapham, lively Brixton and eclectic Tooting.

The Best Areas in London: Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the Best Area in London for First-Time Visitors?

On your first-time visit to London, you’ll probably want to cross off as many big ticket items as possible. So, I recommend staying as central as possible. Westminster, London Bridge and South Bank are all ideal London neighbourhoods for tourists as they’ll keep you close to the action.

Where Should I Stay in London to Walk Everywhere?

If your favourite transport option is your own two feet, then I recommend sticking to the area between Tower Bridge in the East and Victoria in the West – preferably within ½ mile of the river.

Anywhere here will have you in walking distance of the sights – with some popular options being Westminster, Covent Garden, London Bridge or The City.

What is the Best Neighbourhood to Stay in London?

As mentioned above, choosing the best neighbourhood in London is kind of like choosing your favourite child. You love them all equally, because they’re all unique (or at least that’s what I was told as a kid.)

Overall, however, you really can’t go past the convenience of Covent Garden, South Bank and London Bridge. These are great bases, with excellent transport links that will have you exploring the rest of London in a jiffy.

Which are the Most Affluent Areas in London?

Cute but expensive

This seems to change from week to week as house prices in London push ever higher, but generally the most affluent areas in London are:

Kensington

Chelsea

Knightsbridge

Mayfair

Notting Hill and

Westminster

The list could go on…

What about the Best Neighbourhoods in London to Live?

Well, isn’t that the million-pound question? I’d pick Brixton, Shoreditch and Peckham if you’re looking for happening areas with a lot of local culture.

If money’s no object, Notting Hill strikes the right balance between being chi-chi yet still actually lovely rather than just a bit sickening and dull.

Practical Tips to Consider Before Booking Your London Accommodation

The Tube is your friend when getting from neighbourhood to neighbourhood. I recommend picking accommodation that is close to a stop, so you can get around quickly and easily. That said, London is very walkable so if you’re willing to put in the miles, you need never get on public transport at all.

It’s no surprise that the more central you are, the more you can expect to pay. If you are on a budget, consider staying a bit further out. The great public transport links means even places on the outskirts are easy to get to.

Great hotels in popular parts of London can book out quickly, especially if your visit coincides with a big event (like the Notting Hill Carnival). Book as soon as you can – especially since most hotels will offer free cancellation via Booking.com if your plans change.